- Working
- Breastfeeding
- Yelling
- Not playing enough with your kids
- Using digital devices as a babysitter
- Feeding kids not-so-healthy food
- Date nights and "me-time"
YES! Every single one on that list!
Every single one of these topics have been sources of guilt for me personally and for so many moms I know. I learned over time that there is no such thing as "perfect parenting." For me, the key to being the best parent I can be is to let go of the guilt that makes it so much harder! I just do my best each and every day.
As a working mom I felt guilty when I missed out on school events and milestones but a huge part of my guilt came from the fact that I "liked" working. I admit it, although I missed my children, I enjoyed going to my job. I used to think that made me a terrible mother. The reality is, I was a better mom to my kids when I was happy, feeling fulfilled, challenged and accomplished with things outside of the house. I will never forget the very first day I dropped my daughter off at day care at the age of 4 months I met another mom who said to me, "I did not get my MBA to sit on the floor and finger-paint all day, that's what school is for." I was feeling awful and overwhelmed at the idea of leaving my baby at day care for the first time, but that mom's comments took a huge weight off my shoulder that day.
Another big topic on that list is breastfeeding. For me, it was a disaster! Chapter "Bigger is not always better" of my book goes into all the excruciating details of my failed attempts at nursing. It wasn't pretty, but my kids came out ok! As much as I wanted to breastfeed both of my children, I managed a few weeks each and then switched to formula. It was not how I wanted it to go, but once I accepted it I was much more relaxed and better able to care for my children without feeling so defeated and broken.
As far as the other topics on this list, like yelling, not-so-healthy foods, screen time ect... I learned to do the best I can with what I have. Every day is different. Balance is key. Some days things go really well and other days not so much. Recognizing moments of imperfection and being able to accept and forgive myself helps me be a better parent. I am able to take a closer look more objectively at situations and seek to understand how I can do better next time. The guilt and shame does not help me improve, only acceptance and striving to do better does. In order to raise happy, healthy and confident kids, I needed to start with me. Letting go of the unnecessary guilt over being human, for me is like the saying, "put my oxygen mask on first." This way I am able to handle the stressors of parenting, react less, make good choices more often and model the type of confidence, self-care and self-compassion I want for my children.
